Midview senior, Elyria Country Club caddie Hunter Crum receives college scholarship

Hunter Crum's golf journey started out as a freshman on the Midview golf team. It led to two summers of caddying at Elyria Country Club and now it's taking her to college. Crum, a senior, found out last week that she is one of the recipients of the Chick Evans Scholarship for Caddies that will provide her with a full four-year scholarship, including room and board. While she has not officially decided on a school, Crum said she will most likely attend The Ohio State University. "It means everything for me and my family. It's a life-changing opportunity that is going to set me up for my future," Crum said. The scholarship is presented by the Western Golf Association Evan Scholars Foundation to "High-achieving caddies of limited financial means." The scholarship was established in 1930 by amateur golfer Charles "Chick" Evans and has allowed over 12,000 caddies to attend college over the past 95 years. Crum knew of the scholarship before she started playing golf, as 2017 Midview grad Lynnette Wukie was an Evans scholarship recipient. A pair of Middies, Ryan Kemer and Libby Edwards, were awarded scholarships last year. "I've been working hard these past two summers, caddying every weekend and almost every morning. Caddying has become a big part of my life." Crum said. "The scholarship is a great opportunity, so I thought, 'Why not put myself out there?' It was always a unicorn type thing." Crum, who is also a member of the Midview basketball team, was a four-year letterwinner in golf. "I started golfing my freshman year. I had never picked up a golf club before, but it was something new to try out," Crum said. She said the time spent caddying helped her become a better golfer. "When you're at a country club you see a lot of good golfers. Being able to watch them, especially when they're putting, definitely helped me," Crum said. "I didn't grow up around golf. Being a caddy at a country club helped me learn about the game, proper etiquette and things like that. When I was playing as a freshman, I didn't even know what a rangefinder was. Now, I use one on the course." She credits Middies coach Jim Brabenec with making her high school golf experience a rewarding one. "Honestly, I'm not very good at golf, but it's been really fun, and Coach Brabenec is very positive and kept golf fun for all the girls on the team," Crum said "He encouraged me to play all four years of high school." Crum also worked as a bag attendant at Elyria Country Club and plans to continue caddying while she is in college this fall. "Getting to know the members has been great," Crum said. "They are all so super supportive, especially through the scholarship process." Approximately 300 caddies are awarded the Chick Evans Scholarship each year. According to the Western Golf Association, recipients have a 98 percent graduation rate. Contact Todd Shapiro at (440) 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.